Fiji’s timber sector is on the brink of exciting transformation as it seeks to develop innovative products suitable for local specialty joinery and furniture manufacturing, while also exploring lucrative export possibilities. This initiative, highlighted by Minister for Forests Alitia Bainivalu, focuses on leveraging senile coconut stems as part of a study titled “Coconut and other non-traditional forest resources for the manufacture of engineered wood products.”
This ambitious five-year project aims to create and validate processing technologies that convert coconut and other underutilized forest materials into high-value engineered wood products, targeted for both local and international markets.
Minister Bainivalu acknowledged a significant challenge ahead—encouraging the timber industry to swiftly embrace these new opportunities and invest in the necessary technology. Traditionally reliant on processing conventional timber species, the industry will require considerable persuasion to transition to processing logs from senile coconuts.
The project is making strides with active participation from the private sector in Vanua Levu, particularly through Hyoulin Sawmill Fiji Ltd., a subsidiary of Long Investment Ltd. This sawmill has recently commissioned a steam box which facilitates the heat conditioning of coconut and other non-traditional materials, setting the stage for veneer processing and subsequent production of engineered wood.
Preliminary tests have yielded promising results, allowing the project team to delve deeper into the potential for commercial processing of senile coconut stems. Additionally, there is ongoing research into utilizing lower grades of mahogany from the Fiji Hardwood Corporation.
To support stakeholders, a financial modeling tool has been developed, providing potential participants in the value chain with insight and guidance, particularly benefiting plywood producers by clarifying profitability paths.
The impact of the project stretches beyond economic returns; it promises significant social and environmental benefits as well. It offers farmers a potential income stream while promoting sustainable forestry practices through the use of senile coconut trees.
With interest from plywood producer Valebasoga Tropikboards in Labasa, the prospects for collaborative success appear optimistic. Overall, the endeavor is set to stimulate the Fijian timber industry, fostering innovation that can lead to a more sustainable and economically viable future.
This initiative represents a promising step towards diversifying Fiji’s timber industry while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic growth.
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